Say Hello to Tengo – Volkswagen’s Next Kariega-Made Model

Volkswagen is ready to roll with its new MQB A0 Entry SUV on the African continent, and it won’t share the Tera nameplate from South America, but will be called the Tengo instead.

Tengo

Image: Volkswagen

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Volkswagen has confirmed Tengo as the official name of its forthcoming SUV, which will be locally built at Volkswagen’s Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape from 2026, with sales expected to begin in 2027. Previously referred to as the Tera, the newcomer will become Volkswagen South Africa’s third locally produced model alongside the Polo and Polo Vivo. It emerges from a R4-billion investment in the Kariega facility, part of a broader global project involving Skoda India and Volkswagen do Brasil, with South Africa leading the development.

Related: Volkswagen Hands Over To SA To Select Locally Produced SUV’s Name

Last week, Volkswagen opened a voting poll to the public and the Tengo name was selected, beating out Tavi, Tiva, and Tion. While VW hasn’t disclosed how many votes were cast, the brand says the chosen name “carries rich cultural significance in African languages” and reflects attributes such as strength, resilience, and purpose. Expected to replace the T-Cross in VW’s local SUV line-up as the brand’s smallest high-rider, the Tengo will ride on the same MQB A0 platform as the Polo and Vivo, and will reportedly be powered exclusively by the 1.0 TSI engine.

Related: Updated Haval H6 in SA: Pricing and Specs

Although full details remain under wraps, the Tengo is likely to differ inside and out from the Brazilian-spec Tera, though early insights could be revealed at VW’s annual Product Indaba in 2026 — either via a pre-production prototype or a display unit of its international counterpart. A halt of factory operations earlier this year was facilitated as part of a broader roadmap that would see production tentatively start in 2026. The Kariega facility was refurbished and now includes the installation of 100 robots, new conveyor belts in the final assembly area, and enhancements to the paint shop.

With the nameplate now set in stone, more information on the Tengo’s trim levels, engine outputs, and market positioning is expected to surface in the months ahead.

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The post Say Hello to Tengo – Volkswagen’s Next Kariega-Made Model appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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